Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I take note of Senator Milne's comment. It is not a reflection on Senator Feeney at all, but I think it is a reflection that it is an important piece of legislation and the minister who has carriage of this—in fairness to him and in fairness to Senator Feeney—should be here. Notwithstanding that, I go back to my question regarding all things being equal in terms of additionality—and all things being equal includes the amount of carbon that can be sequestered or stored. If one project has a more beneficial effect than another project in terms of water security or food security, will that make any difference in the way that it is assessed as a carbon farming initiative? It seems to me that a natural resource manage­ment plan administered by states or local government would not necessarily deal with those specific issues, particularly in relation to food security.